Aero K plans to launch Matsuyama–Cheongju flights on 2 January 2027, strengthening direct connections between Japan’s Ehime Prefecture and South Korea. The proposed service will operate three times weekly, bringing Matsuyama Airport’s international schedule to a record 27 flights per week.
Ehime Prefecture announced the airline’s decision on 30 September 2026. Aero K expects to use an Airbus A320 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with flights taking approximately 90 minutes.
However, the launch date and operating details remain subject to final coordination with Japanese transport authorities and airport organisations.
For Korean visitors, the route promises direct access to Matsuyama, Dogo Onsen and wider Shikoku. Meanwhile, Ehime residents will gain another short international travel option.
Sold-Out Charters Support Scheduled Launch
The planned service follows a successful charter programme that introduced Cheongju passengers to Ehime in June 2026.
Aero K operated four round trips on 2, 4, 6 and 9 June. Those inbound charter flights sold out, providing an encouraging demand signal for a regular connection.
According to the prefecture, Korean travel companies welcomed Matsuyama Airport’s proximity to the city centre and its concentrated visitor attractions.
They also identified opportunities for trips into eastern and southern Ehime, alongside themed holidays involving golf.
Prefectural representatives subsequently travelled to Cheongju in July for direct discussions with Aero K. Those negotiations helped advance the route towards scheduled operations.
October Services Broaden Demand Testing
Before the January launch, Aero K has scheduled six additional round trips between 14 and 25 October 2026.
These temporary flights will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Unlike June’s inbound programme, they will accommodate departures from Matsuyama as well as Korean arrivals.
The October schedule therefore provides another opportunity to assess interest in both directions.
That distinction matters for the route’s long-term prospects. Korean visitor demand can support Ehime tourism, while Japanese outbound passengers can help sustain bookings beyond individual holiday periods.
However, the October flights remain forthcoming, so their commercial performance cannot yet establish future demand.
Matsuyama Gains a Third Korean Connection
Cheongju will join Seoul and Busan as Matsuyama Airport’s direct South Korean destinations.
Ehime Prefecture says the addition will give Matsuyama the most Korean routes among airports in the Chugoku and Shikoku region.
The service will also become the airport’s first new international route in approximately three years, following its Busan connection.
Together with Taipei, the expanded network will bring international operations to the anticipated weekly record.
For regional tourism businesses, additional direct access creates opportunities to reach customers beyond South Korea’s largest gateway markets.
However, the increase in flight frequency does not itself guarantee higher visitor spending or longer stays.
Central South Korea Offers a New Market
Cheongju is Aero K’s main base and provides access to central South Korea.
Ehime Prefecture places the wider commercial area’s population at approximately 5.5 million. The new connection will target this catchment alongside established demand through Seoul and Busan.
For passengers living closer to Cheongju, a direct departure could reduce the need to travel towards another Korean airport.
Matsuyama will also become Aero K’s first Shikoku destination, extending its Japanese network into another regional market.
The approximately 90-minute journey could appeal to travellers considering shorter breaks, although final schedules will influence practical itinerary choices.
Hotels and Attractions Gain Tourism Opportunities
Matsuyama’s visitor attractions include Dogo Onsen and Matsuyama Castle, offering established starting points for Korean holiday itineraries.
Beyond the city, eastern Ehime provides industrial heritage, island experiences and regional food. Southern Ehime offers coastal landscapes and smaller towns.
The June charter programme already included travel beyond central Matsuyama, reflecting the prefecture’s ambition to distribute tourism benefits more widely.
If regular arrivals follow, accommodation providers, restaurants, transport operators and attractions could gain additional customers.
Ehime has reported rising international accommodation demand. Foreign guest nights increased approximately 28.6% year on year during the first half of 2026.
The prefecture also said foreign overnight stays in 2025 reached around 2.7 times their 2019 level.
Outbound Promotion Will Support Route Stability
Ehime plans to work with travel companies and the Korea Tourism Organization to promote Cheongju and wider South Korea locally.
Its wider initiatives also support passport acquisition and overseas study or training travel among university and vocational students.
These efforts aim to strengthen outbound demand alongside Korean arrivals.
Travellers should confirm final operating details before arranging accommodation or onward transport. Maintaining demand in both directions will shape whether this new regional connection becomes a lasting part of Matsuyama’s international network.
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